​​A Mother's Courage, A Child's Voice (732 words)

An old story for Mother's Day

Saranya invariably brought Anil, her seven-year-old boy, to the park in the evenings. He would play on the slides and swings for some time, and after that, on some days, they would settle down on the bench adjoining the busy road outside the park. She would show him the various passing vehicles and things and name them. Sadly, the boy Anil could not speak since birth, though he could hear well.

 She put him in a normal school, hoping he would blend with other children over time and regain his speech. But Anil, after a few days, refused to go as the other children made fun of him. Her complaints to the teacher were of little avail. As the boy was adamant, her husband felt they should wait for a year and coach him at home in the meantime. They visited all temples and donated to noble causes, hoping for God’s grace.

 As Saranya and Anil watched one day from the bench on the roadside, the buses and trucks whizzing by, a boy of six years came towards Anil and stood by his side. Saranya turned to see if anyone related to the boy was around and found none. She surmised his mother must be begging somewhere in the park. How careless of her, she thought, to leave the young child alone on the pavement of a busy road,

 Anil gave a toffee from his pocket to the boy who had nestled by his side.  Saranya was restless, seeing the boy left alone to fend for himself with his mother nowhere in sight. She repeatedly glanced in vain on all sides to locate her. Saranya wanted to go home, but did not have the heart to leave the little boy just like that.

 As she was thus engrossed in tracing the beggar woman, she heard a piercing scream​, ‘Amma, amma.’ As she turned around in great panic, she saw, to her great shock, the little urchin running towards the middle of the road with a big bus speeding towards the boy a few moments away. Without a second thought and unmindful of the imminent danger, she jumped on the road and pulled the boy in the nick of ​​time before what would have certainly been a ghastly accident and instant death of the urchin.

Only after she brought the boy​ in her arms to the safety of the pavement did she see Anil, all smiles. Her heart skipped a beat when she realised that her son had uttered the word ‘Amma’ for the first time. Filled with tears in boundless joy at the unexpected recovery of his voice, she hugged Anil and smothered him with kisses​.

She firmly believed that merciful God had restored his speech, while the doctors felt that it could be the shock from the very likely accident that Anil saw ​that did the wonder.  

Then she heard it​ again.

​“Amma…”

Saranya froze. For seven long years​, she had waited to hear that one precious word from her son. She had imagined it in her dreams, prayed for it in temples, and wept silently for it through countless lonely nights.

And now, at the very moment she had risked her life to save another child, her own child had found his voice.

“Amma…” Anil repeated, this time more clearly, stretching his tiny hands toward her. Her tears streaming down her face, Saranya gathered him into her arms and held him close, when the broken and halting words slowly followed, each one more beautiful to her than music.

People around them who watched in stunned silence found a beggar woman dragging her son and Ani’s newfound friend away from the crowd. But for Saranya​, the whole world had faded away. There was only her son, calling out to her at last.

Later, the doctors confirmed that the shock and emotion of the near tragedy might have unlocked something deep within Anil’s mind. Saranya, however, believed differently.

To her, it was not science alone. It was the boundless power of a mother’s ​instinctive love and concern​, that too a love for a stranger's child, that propelled her to save the child from an almost certain death, that had finally found its answer in a single word:

“Amma.​, Why are you crying?"​he asked in a clear tone.

And that ​word “Amma' became the most unforgettable Mother’s Day gift she would ever receive.

 

 

The test at 4.30 PM (1142 words)

Usha was a young divorcee. Her marriage, a short-lived one, was a failure. It was her mistake to fall headlong in love with a stranger and hurry into a marriage without verifying his antecedents. It soon came out that the man had a criminal past of various misdeeds, financial and moral and had cases against him. The wise thing she did was to obtain a divorce promptly. She had no parents except a brother living abroad, with practically no contact except an occasional email. But she had a very good friend in her college mate Ranjitha, who was happily married to a nice husband with two kids. She was Usha’s friend, philosopher and guide and whose advice the latter took on all important matters.

Ranjitha has been pressing her friend to move on with life by getting married to a suitable person. Once bitten, Usha was doubly cautious and was putting off the talk of marriage. She would not just listen. Two years had passed since she got separated. She was already 29. The previous Sunday, when she had gone to Ranjitha’s house for lunch, both her friend and her husband persuaded her successfully in her agreeing to marry if the right person came along

It was a month or two later that Ranjitha had telephoned on a Sunday to say that she would be sending her brother’s friend at 4 pm to her house. She would discuss details later. Meanwhile, she could just meet him and size him up. If her first impression of him was favourable, they could proceed further in the matter. It was not a date but just an occasion to meet and get to know each other. She also added that he did not want to meet her at a restaurant and was particular about the homely atmosphere. Usha was not very enthusiastic, but dressed herself well in a good salwar suit.

. It was nearing 4.30 pm, and the man had not shown up. Fastidious about punctuality, she was put out at the delay. It was then she heard the loud knock on the door by a stick instead of the bell. Annoyed a bit, she opened the door to find a tall man with dark glasses holding a white stick.

For a moment, she assumed he had the wrong address.

“Is this Miss Usha’s residence?” he asked gently, his gaze unfocused.

“Yes.”

“I’m Vinod, a friend of Ranjitha and her brother.”

She wondered how Ranjitha could send a blind man to her. Surely, there must be some mistake somewhere, she thought, but decided to let him in. She held his hand when he tapped the ground with his cane and led him to a sofa in the drawing hall.

Once seated, he kept the cane slowly by his side and asked, “Did not Ranjitha tell you about me? Are you shocked?”

“Not like that, she had spoken about you and your friendship with her brother, but had not referred to your disability. Pray, do not worry about that. My dad went blind due to glaucoma in his sixties. What would you like to have?” she asked.

Seeing him up close, he looked charming, dusky, with strong sinews and broad shoulders. But for the dark glasses and the stick, he would have been an attractive proposition, she thought.

 Her thoughts were broken when he said, “I would like a cup of strong coffee if it is not inconvenient.”

Before stepping away, she switched on soft flute music, thinking it might be more pleasant for him than silence. In the kitchen, however, irritation bubbled up. Ranjitha had put her in an awkward position; this was not what she had expected. As she was making coffee, she was very upset with Ranjitha for embarrassing her by sending a blind man as a prospective match. She wanted to give her a bit of her mind after this man left.

When she returned with coffee and biscuits, he was facing the wall, still and quiet. She guided his hand to the cup, but he fumbled, tipping it and spilling hot coffee onto his clothes. Usha hurriedly brought a towel and wiped his hands and the dress. She felt pity for him. She said, “I am sorry. I should have been careful and given you a mug.”

He smiled, almost teasingly. “On the contrary, I quite enjoy being fussed over.”

Despite herself, she smiled back. They spoke for a while. He told her he was a musician, adept at playing several musical instruments, part of a well-known troupe, financially secure, and living in a spacious apartment in a posh locality.

Vinod finally asked her, “Did you know the purpose of my visit?”

“Yes,” she said. “Ranjitha thought we could meet and see if… things go further.”

She thought he might not probe further. But he persisted with a question, ““And what do you think?” he pressed gently. “I have no idea what you look like, though I’m told you’re charming. I’m not very optimistic, and I doubt if I’ve made a good impression. I might even be a burden. “

She replied, “Please do not talk on those lines. I need time to think and cannot tell you anything now.” He replied, “I understand and can wait.”

As he rose to leave, she held his hand and led him carefully to the gate. Just as they reached it, he stopped abruptly and burst into laughter.

In one swift motion, he removed his glasses, tossed aside the cane, and turned to face her directly.

Usha stared in utter bewilderment.

“You passed,” Vinod said, eyes twinkling. “I wanted to see how you’d treat someone you thought was disabled. You were kind, patient, and never once let your irritation show, even when I was watching you very closely.”

“You, what?” she managed.

“I like you,” he continued, “Very much. And for the record, music is just a hobby. I’m a Senior Vice President at an international finance firm. I hope you won’t hold the little drama against me.”

“I am glad to hear you are a senior professional. As for your test, it was quite a performance. For a moment, I wondered if you were an intruder. But I also knew Ranjitha wouldn’t do something like this… which made it even more confusing.”

Vinod grinned. “So… can we start again without the props? And perhaps with another cup of coffee, you owe me?”

She held his gaze for a moment and then let a smile spread across her face, giving him a subtle hint of her falling for him. As she led him into the drawing hall, she quipped,” I am glad I passed your test. Make no hurried assumptions. We have just begun to get to know each other. After all, I might have to run a few tests on you as well.”

 

The Miraculous Glow (824 words)

Agnes was getting ready to leave for her office. She was near the door, putting on her shoes, when her mom ran up behind her and tapped her shoulder. Her mom was a superstitious person. She never called from behind when one was about to leave.

“Agnes, please say a prayer to the Lord before you leave, “she said

“Why, what happened? Anything you are worried about?” asked Agnes

“No, nothing in particular. I had a bad dream early in the morning,” she said

Both of them stood before the huge picture of the Lord and said the following prayer
‘Our Father in Heaven, Holy be Thy Name
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sinned against us
Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.”

Her mom smiled at her and said, “You are a sweet girl, and you always please me”

The work in the office was very tight. She had no time even for a cup of tea. She looked out from the third floor of the seven-storey building. It was dark even at 3 pm, with a heavy drizzle. She did not like it and wanted to leave for home at 5 pm. It was then she heard a strange rumbling sound with thuds. Soon, the furniture started moving, and before she could run towards the exit, the building started to shake and collapse, with the floor leading to the entrance to the office caving in.

With great presence of mind, she went under a strong table. She heard piercing screams; the deafening noise of the entire building collapsing, and the shrieks of the people hit by the falling debris. The power went out, and the space was covered by darkness. There was a sepulchral silence except for the wails and distant voices in a muffled tone. She could not move as some heavy object lay over her. She was cramped in a small space and could not extricate her legs or one hand. It was aching, but she was not seriously hurt. She could not locate her handbag and the mobile to contact others. Luckily, the watch with luminous hands was running. It showed 7 pm, and there was no sign of any rescue people near her. She could hear the cranes, the firefighters and the rescue team working, but trapped as she was in the centre of debris, she remained invisible. Her screams for help were inaudible

It was then she remembered her mother’s dream and her request in the morning for prayer. That made her recite the prayer again with all devotion. She pleaded with tears in her eyes “Father, I lift my hands to you. Please pour down upon me your loving grace, light, peace, mercy, protection, help, and healing. Humbly, I praise and thank you, Lord. In Jesus' Holy Name I pray. Amen.”

She was thirsty and hungry but tried to remain alert. She tried hard to fight the drowsiness that was enveloping her, as she did not want to end her life in a concrete grave. After what seemed an interminable wait, she heard, around 11 pm, some voices nearby lifting hopes in her heart. With a big piece of wood or concrete covering her mouth, her shouts were not heard even by her. As she repeated the prayer again and again, she found the place filled with an ethereal and comforting light. It was as if the Lord Himself was present there to care for her. She mumbled, “Lord, in you I surrender. You are my only resort,” even as a certain calmness descended on her. It was then she heard the bark of some dog nearby before she passed out.

The rescue workers, who were working from above and avoided horizontal rescue, heard the dog barking. They rushed to see that It was circling a particular area. One of the workers managed to enter through a small opening to find a glow from inside a void, where a victim could remain trapped. The glow appeared, as if a torchlight was burning inside. It was otherwise pitch dark around. With help from others, he managed to reach the place to find an outstretched hand. There was no response to his calls. He slid his hand through the opening and felt. The hand was warm. They worked carefully, using props and removing the debris, ensuring that nothing collapsed on the victim.

The source of the shimmering light from the area that attracted the attention of the dog and the rescue men was inexplicable, as no torch was found there, and the dial of the watch was black, when she was removed in a stretcher to the waiting ambulance. What was strange was that the miraculous glow disappeared once the rescue was completed.

"Your Valentine has come home" (1043 words)

  

This old story relates to the mid-nineties 

I was learning DTP at a small private institute because I couldn’t afford college. My mother worked as an ayah at a private clinic. Every day while she was at work, I spent my afternoons at the nearby government library, reading newspapers and magazines, especially the job vacancy pages.

One afternoon, while scanning the employment supplement, a soft shadow passed beside me. I looked up and saw a young girl, about eighteen, pausing at my table before moving to the next one. She was beautiful in a quiet, gentle way, with a small nose, elegant features, and eyes that seemed to carry both hope and worry. Her salwar suit was worn and faded, a sign of her poor circumstances. She had no book in her hands and appeared restless, as though waiting for something.

I went back to reading, but soon noticed her glancing at me. When our eyes met, she looked away. After this happened a few times, I smiled and gently asked if she wanted to say something.

“Sorry, sir,” she said softly. “I’m actually waiting for the supplement you’re holding. When you’re finished, could you please give it to me before others take it?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” I said, handing her the paper. “Please, take it.”

She smiled, and said, “Thank you. Someone told me there was an advertisement I should see today.”

As she walked back to her seat, I noticed her long hair, neatly braided, falling almost to her hips. She moved with a quiet grace. Though I had no real interest, I picked up an astrology magazine and pretended to read, stealing glances at her now and then. I noticed she did the same.

After about half an hour, she returned the paper, paused at my table for a moment, and then left.

That night, as I lay on my bed dreaming of my future, a steady job, a stable life, her face kept appearing before my eyes. I turned restlessly, cursing myself for not asking her name, where she lived, or if she came to the library every day.

The next day, I went to the library wearing my best T-shirt and jeans. My heart sank when I didn’t see her. I took a few newspapers and sat at the same desk, hoping she would come.

About thirty minutes later, she arrived in a hurry. I saw hope in her eyes as she scanned the room, and then they rested on me. I smiled and pointed to the empty chair opposite.

When she sat down, I said, “I’m Selva. I’m learning DTP and live near the Pillaiyar temple in the next street. I come here every day. I was lucky to meet you yesterday. What’s your name?”

“I’m Akila,” she replied softly.

When I asked what she did, she said, “I stopped school after Class 11. I’m preparing for the typing examination.”

“Why didn’t you complete Class 12?” I asked gently.

“I have no parents,” she said. “I live with my uncle near the flour mill. He’s kind, but he can’t afford my fees. My aunt asked me to stop studying and look for a job. I know typing.”

 “I’m really sorry,” I said. “I hope you get a job soon. I’ll collect the job supplements every day and keep them ready for you.”

From that day on, we met almost daily at the library, except on Sundays. Slowly, without realising it, we became close to each other. We talked about our dreams, our fears, and our hopes for the future.

When her eighteenth birthday came, I wanted to give her a small gift, but she refused. “My aunt watches me closely,” she said. “If she sees anything new, she’ll ask questions and stop me from coming here or attending typing classes.”

Still, our bond deepened. We didn’t need gifts; our conversations, smiles, and shared silence were enough.

One day, I noticed her eyes were swollen, her face pale and sad. She tried to hide it, but I asked what was wrong. After some hesitation, she said, “My uncle has decided to move back to his village near Salem this Friday. We can’t afford to live here anymore. I don’t want to leave Chennai. I want to stay here permanently.” Her voice broke. “I feel like crying all the time.”

I was shocked. I held her hand and said, “Don’t worry, Akila. We’ll find a way. We still have three days.”

Then, in a trembling voice, she said, “Selva… I’m shy to tell you this. Please find a way to keep me with you.”

“I understand,” I said. “I’m in love with you too.”

That night, I spoke to my mother. She listened quietly and then said, “I’ll speak to the clinic owner. They’ve been looking for a receptionist and a record assistant. Akila can stay with us until we arrange something at the clinic. Don’t lose hope.”

I was overjoyed.

Two days later, my mother said, “The clinic owner has agreed to employ her and provide accommodation. Let’s go speak to her uncle tomorrow.”

I barely slept that night.

The next morning, we went to Akila’s house near the flour mill. An elderly woman pointed to a locked door and said, “The poor girl cried for two days. Her aunt kept her locked, fearing she might run away. They left very early this morning.”

My heart shattered.

My mother held me as tears flowed uncontrollably. “Don’t cry,” she said softly. “We tried our best. Maybe she’ll write to you someday.”

As we walked back home, defeated and heartbroken, we heard the flower seller near the temple tell someone, “They’ve come.”

We turned.

Akila was running toward us.

 She fell at my mother’s feet, sobbing uncontrollably. “I escaped at the bus stand just before the bus left. My uncle wanted to chase me, but my aunt pulled him inside. I have no one now, only you and Selva.”

My mother lifted her gently and said, “Don’t worry, child. We were just coming back from your house. Everything is arranged.”

Then she turned to me with a smile. “Selva, your Valentine has come home.”

Akila stepped inside our house with her right foot, and with that single step, she walked into my life forever.

 

The Right Choice (845 words)

Meera’s two-wheeler had stubbornly refused to start that morning despite her repeated attempts. As she had to rush to be at the office by 10 am for an important meeting, she ran to the bus stop. Autos fully occupied passed by at high speed, with her anxiety growing by the minute. Not one three-wheeler stopped.

The sky was cloudy and slightly dark with the possibility of rain. Reluctantly, she boarded the bus as anything was better than being drenched.

There was barely room to stand. Men stood around her on all sides, their bodies close, their breath heavy. The smell was oppressive, but she had no choice. She clutched her bag to her chest and tried to shrink into herself.

“Where to?” the conductor barked.

She told him her stop. He tore a four-rupee ticket and shoved it into her hand.

She extended a fifty-rupee note. “I’m sorry, I don’t have change.”

His voice turned sharp. “No change. Give exact amount or get down.”

“I only have one two-rupee coin,” she said, her voice soft with desperation. “You can pay me the balance when I get down.”

Without a second thought, he whistled for the bus to stop. “Return the ticket and get down quickly.”

“It’s drizzling outside,” she pleaded. “Please don’t throw me out. Just help me.” She looked around and saw the other passengers watching her with curiosity, with an air of indifference.

Before she could say more, a gentle but firm voice rose from a nearby seat. “How can you do that?” an elderly man with a prominent beak-shaped nose said. “Can’t you see it’s drizzling heavily? Here, take this.” He held out a five-rupee coin. “

The conductor muttered something indecent and thrust a one-rupee into the man’s hand.

Meera stood frozen and surprised. It had all happened so quickly. “Sir, I don’t have the change,” she said, flustered. “Please take this fifty-rupee note. I will collect the balance later whenever we meet.”

He smiled softly. “Never mind. Four rupees is not a big amount. Are we not human beings? Don’t we have sisters and daughters like you? Let it be.”

He got up at the very next stop to get down. His shirt was worn, his chappals cheap, his face stubbled, but to Meera, he looked, though poor, like the kindest man she had ever seen.  His face stood permanently etched in her heart.

Two months later, Meera’s father called her.

“Meera, are you free today? I’m going to the orphanage. The manager has resigned, and we need to appoint someone new immediately. Will you come with me and help in the selection?”

She agreed immediately.

The orphanage was her father’s life’s work, a sanctuary for destitute and lost children who had nothing but hope. They were given shelter, food, education, and a chance at a future through vocational training. Her father wanted someone capable of handling the big responsibility.

As the interviews began, candidates came and went, some experienced but demanding higher compensation, some inexperienced but eager for money, some simply uninterested in the social work or the children themselves. Meera’s father had asked her to rate each one.

Then the last candidate walked in. Meera’s heart skipped a beat when she saw him.

The same beak-shaped nose. The same stubbled face. She was sure it was him. The man from the bus.

He stood respectfully, unaware of the recognition by her. She asked him gently to sit.

Her father studied his résumé. “You have no experience managing an institution. You’ve worked only as a clerk in a small store. Why do you think you’re suitable for this job?”

The man paused, then spoke quietly. “It’s true, sir. I have no experience. But I have many children. I know what it means to care for them. I will love these boys and girls as my own. I may lack qualifications and experience, but I promise sincerity and dedication. I need this job badly for running my household, but more than that, I want to serve.”

Her father nodded unsurely. “We’ll let you know in half an hour. Please wait.”

After he left, Meera turned to her father. “Appa, I know who I want.”

“Who?” he asked.

“The last gentleman.”

Her father looked aghast. “What? He has no experience. No managerial background. I’ve already crossed his name.”

“Appa,” she said softly, “experience can be gained. But compassion cannot. It is inherent. These children don’t just need an administrator; they need a kind heart. All the others came looking for a job. This person came to serve.”

Her father raised an eyebrow. “How do you know he has compassion? Are you trusting mere words?”

Meera smiled and told him about the bus, the rain, the rude conductor, indifferent passengers and the kind stranger who paid her fare without expecting anything in return.

Her father fell silent.

That afternoon, the man was appointed, not just as the manager, but as administrator at a salary higher than originally planned.

A thousand words will not leave as deep an impression as one good deed

 

 

The Mysterious Brass Compass (1030 words)

  

 Ramiah, a wealthy brass merchant in Kumbakonam, lived in a spacious bungalow set on a vast plot of land in the outskirts. He lived a peaceful life with his wife and two sons.

Once, during a pilgrimage to Benares, he visited an antique shop and noticed a beautifully crafted circular brass compass with a needle at its centre.

“Ah, that’s a fine piece,” Ramiah said, lifting it carefully. “How much does it cost?”

The shopkeeper shook his head. “Sir, it’s defective. The needle does not point north or south. It’s of no use.”

Ramiah examined it closely. “Defective or not, it’s beautiful. I’ll take it.”

The shopkeeper smiled. “Very well, sir. Since you’ve purchased so much already, you may have it free.”

Back home, Ramiah placed the compass on his table in his room at the shop as a decorative piece. The needle constantly oscillated and never settled in the proper direction. One day, a woman who had earlier purchased a vessel and had visited his room returned, distressed.

“Sir,” she said anxiously, “I think I lost the tiny screw from my diamond earring here. It must have fallen on the floor.”

“Don’t worry,” Ramiah replied kindly. “We’ll search for it.”

They searched the floor and the surrounding area thoroughly, but the screw could not be found.

Just then, Ramiah noticed something unusual. “Strange… the needle has stopped,” he murmured. “Look, it’s pointing toward the almirah.”

They moved the wooden almirah aside, and to everyone’s astonishment, the missing screw lay beneath it. As soon as the screw was picked up, the needle resumed its restless oscillation.

Another incident soon followed. One morning, the supervisor approached Ramiah with concern. “Sir, the ornate bell from the shop is missing.”

“Bring the employee in charge of that area here,” Ramiah said calmly.

When the employee was questioned, he replied firmly, “I know nothing about it, sir. I have not taken anything.”

When Ramiah placed the compass on the table facing the supervisor and the employee, the needle oscillated rapidly, then turned and pointed straight at the man and stopped.

Ramiah said softly, “Do you see this? The compass is pointing at you.”

“That means nothing! The supervisor is also standing with me,” the employee protested nervously.

Ramiah asked the employee to move to a corner, but did not change the position of the compass. The employee moved, and instantly the needle turned again and pointed at him.

Ramiah’s voice hardened. “Shall I call the police?”

The man’s face turned pale. “No, sir! I confess. I took the bell. I’m sorry.”

From these incidents, Ramiah concluded that the compass had a miraculous power to identify lost objects and expose falsehood.

He confided this secret to his close friend and former schoolmate, the postmaster.

“This is extraordinary,” the postmaster said in amazement. “But what good is it if the compass remains in your room, where only a few people come? “Let it stay on my table at the post office,” the postmaster said. “Hundreds of people visit daily. It could help many for free.”

Ramiah smiled. “You are right. Take it.”

Soon, its power became widely known. One day, a young girl cried, “Uncle, I’ve lost my anklet!” Another day, a boy said tearfully, “Sir, I’ve misplaced my exam hall ticket!” A worried farmer once pleaded, “My land deed is missing and without it, I am ruined.”

Each time, the compass led them to their lost belongings.

In the centre of Ramiah’s land stood a large mango tree that bore fruit abundantly each season. He gave most of the harvest to his servants, the nearby temple, and the municipal school, keeping only a small portion for his family.

In his old age, he called his sons and said, “My time is passing. I am handing over the business to you. Take good care.”

He built two identical bungalows on either side of the mango tree, one for each son, with the tree serving as a natural boundary.

One evening, Ramiah spoke to the postmaster. “I want my sons to continue giving the mangoes as I have done.”

“That is wise,” the postmaster said. “Why not leave written instructions for them? Send it to the post office. I will deliver at the appropriate time”

Ramiah agreed and wrote identical letters to both sons, instructing that after his death, 20% of the harvest be retained for personal use (including friends, relatives, and servants), and 40% each be donated to the temple and the municipal school.

He informed his sons about the arrangement and also spoke privately to the temple trustee and the school headmaster.

After Ramiah’s death, the sons approached the postmaster and made a deal with him for a consideration that the letters would not be delivered.

Soon afterwards, the postmaster suffered a stroke that left him paralysed and unable to speak. A young woman took charge of the post office.

When the mango season began, and the tree was awash with mangoes, the sons stopped the charitable distribution and began selling the mangoes for profit. When the temple trustee and the school authorities approached the sons, they denied any knowledge of any letter from their father.

When the temple trustee and school authorities approached and apprised the young postmaster, she said kindly, “I will do my best to help you.”

As she looked around the office, her eyes fell on the ancient brass compass. This must be the compass everyone talks about, she thought

She picked it up and said aloud, “If there are letters from Ramiah remaining undelivered here, please show me.”

The needle promptly moved and pointed toward an old steel trunk in the corner hidden behind a gunny sack

Inside the trunk, she found the undelivered letters. The police and the school’s lawyer were present when the trunk was opened in front of the two sons.

“These are your father’s letters,” the lawyer said firmly.

The sons looked stunned. “We… we did not know about these,” one said weakly. “We promise,” the other added quickly, “that we will follow our father’s instructions in full.”

Thus, truth prevailed, and Ramiah’s generosity lived on, guided even after his death by the mysterious brass compass.

 

The Satisfied Grin (753 words)

Suresh is a worried man now. His business, once thriving, was nose-diving with literally no orders in the books. He had built his business big, investing huge capital by borrowing from many sources. Till a couple of years back, Suresh got the lion's share of the orders from big customers. Lately, his rival, Kartik, has clinched all the deals. He undercut the prices to the bare minimum, making them unworkable for Suresh with his huge investment. Possibly, Maybe, Kartik greased the palms of the officials in charge of purchase at the customers’ end. With a lean and efficient staff, Kartik ensured prompt delivery of quality products. 

 The men and machinery at Suresh’s factory were all practically idle now, with mounting losses each month. It was clear to Suresh that Kartik was bent upon driving him away from the scene. The banks and lenders were on Suresh's heels as the huge debts were not regularly serviced. Even salaries to the staff and labour were delayed and paid in instalments. Suresh tried in vain to poach and bring Kartik’s key employees. There was no way Suresh could dislodge his competitor from the scene.

Outwardly, Suresh maintained cordial relations with his rival but was really seething in anger. He attended Kartik's daughter's marriage and gifted a large silver pot. None can discern any enmity between them.

Things became very bleak, and he had to find a permanent solution to this wretched problem or shut the business and go to jail for failure to pay the debts.

Blade Babu was surprised when Suresh arrived at his door early one morning. The prefix came from his early days as a pickpocket; now, he was a hardened criminal with a long record and a reputation as a contract killer who left no trace. “Good morning, Sir. I am honoured by your visit. You could have sent a word, and I would have come to your place,” he said.

“It is okay. In fact, I did not want you to be seen at my place as the matter is very delicate”

“I understand, Sir. Tell me what I can do for you. I am at your beck and call,” Babu said in an ingratiating tone.

“Thanks. My business is in doldrums because of Kartik. I hope you know my competitor.”

“Sure, Sir, I know him, though I have not interacted with him so far. He lives in Neelankarai in a palatial bungalow”

“Yes, the very same man. I pleaded with him that both could share the business equally without undercutting each other. Besides arrogantly refusing, he has chosen to sell at loss-making rates only to eliminate me from the business. All my efforts to reason with him have failed,” Suresh said

“Oh, I am sorry. Why wouldn’t he amicably work with you is beyond me. In what way, can I help you?” he asked

“I want a permanent end to the problem. Money does not matter. You are talented in this area.” Suresh said in an almost inaudible voice.

“I understand. He is a rich man and must have clout. But I have also handled such people. It would cost much as there is risk,” Babu said equally softly

“How much?”

“25 lakhs”

Suresh opened his leather bag and handed over bundles of notes. “Here are 20 lakhs. I will pay you the balance after the job is done” he said

“Pay me the full amount. I do not want you or your man to meet me afterwards. “Babu said

Suresh paid the balance without demur and asked, “When will this be done?”

“Anytime within two days. Please do not contact me on any score. Have some buttermilk before you go. I will keep the money inside and come in a minute,” Babu said

“Thanks. I will wait for you,” Suresh said happily, sipping the buttermilk from the glass. There was a wry smile on his face at the thought that the job was done so easily.

As he sat with his eyes closed, thinking of the likely jump in business, the smile faded as he felt slightly giddy. Simultaneously, he became aware of a metal pressing the rear of his head. He faintly heard someone saying, “K Sir... Luckily, the guy himself has come here, and the matter is being settled to your satisfaction.”

 Before he could turn in panic, he saw a million stars exploding and a brilliant light shining. All was quiet thereafter, even as a satisfied grin spread over Blade Babu’s face at the double windfall.